The Fireside

This is one of the best trilogies, or series,  that I have ever read. What is begun in "The Winter King" carries through "Enemy of God" and concludes here. Each book is divided into 'parts' (usually 3 or 4 per book) and serves as a nice 'breaking point' in the narrative. So, this could have one HUGE book, or about 10-12 much much smaller ones. Nothing ever 'wavers' throughout all 3 books. The conclusion...well, it's not terrible, but it's a 'we get there before we realize it' type scenario. Enough is wrapped up to satisfy, enough left open to ponder. As ever, with books 1 and 2, read the Author's Note at the end of each book for additional context or commentary from Cornwell himself.  I can safely recommend this trilogy to any and all who like historical fiction, or even fantasy. This 3rd and final book is a great and worthy follow up to "Enemy of God" (which in itself was a grea...

One subject I wished to blog about, was upcoming Tolkien publications this year. I could have covered it in my books post, but I thought I should give it its own spot. There are a few interesting items on the horizon, as well as events. 2017 marks the 40 th anniversary of The Silmarillion . Presently, there isn’t a new edition planned (or a republication of an older, etc), however that could happen in 2027 for its 50 th . I’m not too sure what else they can add, to be honest. I can see both The Hobbit and The Silmarillion getting an edition similar to the 60 th anniversary illustrated edition of The Lord of the Rings . What I’d like to see in a future Silmarillion edition would be the sheet about the heraldry and devices that was included in a Tolkien calendar from the ‘70s, and it was also included in the white collector’s box that came out in ’99. Most likely the biggest Tolkien publication this year is Beren and Luthien . At this point, because I haven’t seen the table of...

There isn’t a whole lot I’m looking to buy this year in the way of books; whether they be new releases or books previously published that I’ve yet to discover. There are only a select few I intend to get. Of course, this isn’t counting any books that may be gifted to me throughout the year, nor comics / trades / graphic novels. I really hope The Winds of Winter comes out this year. Once it’s announced, I’m pre-ordering it ASAP. If it comes out this year, the earliest would be May, the latest would be November. I’ll be getting The Flame Bearer in the spring; which is usually when the Bernard Cornwell books come out in the format I like, and have the other Last Kingdom books in. I’ll also be getting The Tolkien Companion and Guide by Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull; which is a revised 10 th anniversary edition of their 2-book set. Another Tolkien book I’ll be getting will be Beren and Luthien in the spring when it comes out. All three books I’ve mentioned are on pre-order. ...

For the next installment of  my 2017 series, I’m going to examine which TV shows and movies I’m looking forward to feasting my eyes on.  First, I’ll cover movies.  So far, 2017 seems to be quite lacking in the big blockbuster movie department. I don’t mean the fact that it’s only January, of course, but looking ahead to seeing when movies are coming out. That said, I’m looking forward to the following. Please note, that just because I don’t want to see something at the cinema, doesn’t mean I don’t want to see it.    Guardians 2 I will definitely see this one opening night in premium format.   Alien: Covenant The Aline films seem to be hit or miss. The very first two were quite good but the rest after that…..we’ll see by word of mouth before I decide if I want to see this one at the cinema, or wait for it to hit Netflix [so I can ‘legally’ watch it but not pay an arm and a leg to do so.]   Pirates 5 Good chance I’ll see this one at the cinema. ...

As part of my “2017 Series”, I will examine which things I am hoping to get, as well as save up for the year. Each year, I usually ‘treat’ myself to a somewhat large financial purchase. So, I’m going to look ahead and tell you what I want to get this year. This is essentially a birthday and Christmas wishlist for 2017. BOOKS There aren’t that many I’m looking to get this year, surprising enough. It’s time to start reading what I own! If The Winds of Winter comes out this year, I’m definitely getting that. -   Beowulf   by The Folio Society [I’d love town this special edition of Beowulf] -   A Middle-earth Traveler   (Sketches From Bag End to Mordor ) by John Howe  [ISBN:  9780008226770] (To be published Oct. 5.) [it sounds like a john Howe Lord of the Rings sketchbook….] ​​ -   The Legend of Zelda: Art   & Artifacts [just in time for the new game coming out on wii u! Also, I own Hyrule Historia , so this will match it!...

The original set from 2006. In late 2016, it was revealed that the ultimate Tolkien resource by Wayne G. Hammond & Christina Scull was being revised and republished. The Tolkien Companion and Guide is set to be re-published [updated and revised] in the fall of 2017. The original set, is comprised of two books: Chronology and Reader's Guide . The new set, is so expanded, that it will now be three instead. Why I'm doing up this quick little post, is that there are a few ways [and ISBN's] that you can get the revised set later this year. THE BOX SET: " The J. R. R. Tolkien Companion and Guide : Boxed Set" ISBN: 9780008214548 Publication Date: 07 Sep 2017 INDIVIDUAL BOOKS: Volume I: Chronology ISBN: 9780008214517 Publication Date: 30 Nov 2017 Volume II: Reader's Guide Part 1   ISBN: 9780008214524 Publication Date: 30 Nov 2017 Volume II: Reader's Guide: Part 2 ISBN: ...

With the new year, there are a few things I look forward to. This entry will focus on sports. I was never really a big sports guy. I’ve watched, followed and enjoyed my local NHL team, the Ottawa Senators, as far back as about 96/97. Recently, I followed other teams as well – Tampa Bay Lightning and St Louis Blues, chiefly, but not exclusively. Before that, my grandfather and I enjoyed following the Blue Jays (1990 – 1995-ish), as well as my father.  It was in the past year that I got back into baseball, because of how well the Jays were doing. In the past couple of years as well, I’ve been following a few NFL teams. So really, in the past few years I’ve been following sports when “something” was happening – The World Cup, FIFA, Team Canada (hockey) etc…. and now, the Ottawa Redblacks have won the Grey cup, and have been on fire since about 2014. So since I’ve given you a quick glimpse of my past with sports, I’ll say what I’m looking forward to seeing / happening t...

Well, another Yuletide has come and gone. What a great one it's been! There was nothing in particular I was asking for, or after. I am in dire need (no longer) for PJs and cozies. Some of my first ever pairs are starting to go, so it was time to retire a few of them. Plus, the winter / Christmas beer is always great to get. I think of, and celebrate, Yuletide from the first day of winter until the 2nd of Jan. This essentially marks New Year's Day the final day of the winter holidays. During this time I follow sports the most often within a short period, as I am actually able to watch a few hockey games. This is due to relatives having cable and sports packages - the only "TV" I'd pay for. The World Juniors are always great hockey, as are a few games here and there in the NHL. More on sports later..... So, apologies I haven't been blogging as much lately. Work, plus getting ready for Yuletide, including travel, has been taking away some time. I've...